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What does your dog dream about? A Harvard psychologist may have the answer

Posted: 8:30 PM, Oct 20, 2016

Updated:2016-10-21 06:31:13-04

By:
Alex Hider

Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Matt Cardy

ATHENS, GREECE - JANUARY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was processed using digital filters) A stray dog sleeps in front of a branch of McDonald's in the centre of Athens on January 27, 2015 in Athens, Greece. Stray dogs are a common sight in Athens with many living in small packs in the city's various squares or near tourist spots such as the Acropolis. Most are monitored and tagged by the local authorities receiving vaccinations and veterinary attention when needed. The streets - which the dogs have learnt to navigate around, negotiating busy road junctions and pedestrian crossings - also provide in the main, the food, water and shelter they need whilst various charities and individuals also are involved in their welfare. The reason for their large numbers is varied but theories have included the closure of the traditional city dog pound and the fact that keeping dogs as pets is a relatively recent phenomena in Greece and some owners do not realise the commitment involved and release the dogs as strays. Before the Olympics in 2004 it was widely reported that thousands of dogs had been rounded up and poisoned and in 2011 one stray was even named runner up for TIME magazine's Animal of Year after he was widely photographed siding with demonstrators barking at riot police during the anti-austerity protests at the height of Greece's debt crisis (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Ever wonder what your furry little friend is dreaming about when he or she goes to bed at night? According to one Harvard psychologist, they’re probably dreaming about you.

Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a teacher and a Clinical and Evolutionary Psychologist at Harvard Medical School, told People
that dogs likely dreaming about their owners.

She says that while there’s no way to know for sure what dogs are seeing when they dream, it’s safe to assume that their dreams draw from everyday experiences, like humans.

“Humans dream about the same things they’re interested in by day, though more visually and less logically,” Barrett told People. “There’s no reason to think animals are any different. Since dogs are generally extremely attached to their human owners, it’s likely your dog is dreaming of your face, your smell and of pleasing or annoying you.”

But what about cats? According to Barrett, past research shows that cats likely dream about “hunting mice in their dreams.”

Barrett also confirmed that dogs are likely acting out their dreams when their legs move in running motion in their sleep.

She also offered advice to pet owners who want to make sure their friend’s dreams are sweet.

“The best way to give ourselves or our children better dreams is to have happy daytime experiences and to get plenty of sleep in a safe and comfortable environment. It’s a good bet this is also best for pets’ dreams.”

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.

Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.